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A Long and Weary Way  by Canafinwe 10 Review(s)
UTfrogReviewed Chapter: 59 on 12/2/2015
Naturally I went back to reread this chapter after finishing the Faramir story in your wonderful appendices. I love that we learned Minardil has a great grandchild. Thanks again

Author Reply: Ah! So nice that you noticed that...

I'm glad to have brought you back to the chapter, too. It was fascinating and fun to write.

Lily BagginsReviewed Chapter: 59 on 9/9/2015
I have been remiss in reviewing, although I've been reading avidly and eating this story up like a starving woman. I will catch up with my reviews, I will.

I was so, so excited when I saw you were updating again... I can't tell you how worth the wait this story has been. This chapter was wonderful---how I loved Gandalf's shocked double-take when he saw his friend... this was a most lovely chapter of comfort and concern. And I can imagine that Gandalf feels no little guilt over it, too.

Your detailed descriptions of Aragorn's comforts and pains are beyond the pale---I adore the way you sink your teeth his character and let us know everything he's feeling and thinking. This chapter was vivid and had me glued to me seat, as always.

obsidianjReviewed Chapter: 59 on 8/9/2015
Yay, you updated. At first I thought the notification was for a story long complete and then I remembered. This chapter had a nice trip down memory lane without being repetitive. You can feel the deep friendship between Aragorn and Gandalf. These good friends don't need to talk much to read between the lines. Aragorn's sparse account is enough for Gandalf to fill in the blanks.

Author Reply: Thank you for reading! And thank you for all of the reviews: they helped to keep the story present in my mind. I love to write Aragorn and Gandalf: their friendship is beautiful and fascinating.

KateReviewed Chapter: 59 on 7/20/2015
I was delighted to see you posted a new chapter! And as always, it was such an enjoyable read. There is just something so real yet so charming about the way you write the characters. Aragorn will always be my favourite and I love your version of him. I also really enjoyed what you did with Gandalf; how he suddenly changed when he really looked at Aragorn and saw the state he's in, and then he is clearly concerned but not overbearing.
Thank you for this, can't wait for the next installment!

Author Reply: Thank you so much for your kind words! It always means a lot when someone who loves Aragorn thinks well of my portrayal. I love his friendship with Gandalf, and it is always a treat to explore it. It's great to know the balance worked well, too.

ElentarriReviewed Chapter: 59 on 7/19/2015
Beautifully written as always. :) Thank you very much for the update.

Author Reply: You're so very welcome, and thank YOU! It's great to be back.

ellonReviewed Chapter: 59 on 7/19/2015
I'm really excited to see you posting again! Love your writing

Author Reply: Thank you: what a lovely thing to say. I'm thrilled to be back at it.

LindeleaReviewed Chapter: 59 on 7/19/2015
Incredible story, masterfully written.

I had not seen this one before, so I am glad you updated and brought it to the front page of listings.

Pressed for time at the moment (I read into the wee hours, and now am preparing in haste to go out the door), but will hope to return and leave a more coherent word or two.

Author Reply: Oh, thank you so much! Is there anything more a writer can ask than to keep a reader up into the night? I know Tolkien was the first who did it for me, and it's been a benchmark ever since.

I'm thrilled you have enjoyed the story so far: thank you for snatching time from your busy day to tell me!

UTfrogReviewed Chapter: 59 on 7/18/2015
Hooray! I had nearly given up hope that you would continue this grand tale. I was thrilled this am to see the update. It is an excellent summary, of sorts, of some of what Aragorn endured. Gandalf would have seen even more of Aragorn's condition had he not enjoyed the recent bath.

Thank you so much for continuing the tale. It is outstanding









Author Reply: Thank you so much. Fear not: I mean to finish it, however long it takes. (Not unlike the hunt for Gollum, actually...). And yes, Gandalf would have been all the more horrified the night before!

AromeneReviewed Chapter: 59 on 7/18/2015
Worth the wait! I didn't find this repetitive at all. It was nice to read the other side of the account and have Gandalf arrive with all his good wisdom!

Author Reply: Thank you! I didn't think it so, but I could see how some might. Cheers.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 59 on 7/18/2015
What a beautifully-crafted summary of this grueling, horrific journey. I can well believe that Aragorn had to keep reminding himself that it was at last over.

what forgiveness is there for one who abandons all hope and despairs of his quest, and leaves his friend to go alone into darkness?

A heavy burden of guilt indeed, and one that perhaps spurred Gandalf to accompany Frodo as far as he could. Perhaps Gandalf was also seeking healing and gentle dreams in the West when he finally sailed.

Author Reply: Oh, thank you. I don't know quite what to say except that yes, I am sure Gandalf had healing to seek for himself in the West. *wistful sigh*

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